Although a report last week indicated that Grant Hill would either sign with the Lakers or retire, the veteran forward hasn't quite narrowed his options down that far yet, says David Aldridge of TNT. According to Aldridge, Hill is considering the Heat and Thunder in addition to the Lakers, and each team has returned interest in the 39-year-old.
The Lakers were considered the strong frontrunners for Hill after they landed Steve Nash. While Aldridge still seems to classify the Lakers as the favorites, he cautions that Hill is still weighing his optoins.
Given Hill's age, his decrease in production in 2011/12, and the cap situations of the teams he's eyeing, a one-year deal worth the minimum salary or a small cap exception seems likely. Even so, Darnell Mayberry of the Oklahoman flatly states that Oklahoma City "is not going to sign" Hill (Twitter link). If they were interested, the Thunder have the cap flexibility to offer a little more money than either the Lakers or Heat could.
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i would think he ends up in la
Unless Miller is out with his back for the Heat, then I think folks are right about there not being room for Hill in Miami. However, if Miller is out, then I think Hill shows why he’s one of the toughest and smartest defensive players in the NBA… and with that lineup and some nice rotation and touches, I could easily see him finding his sweet stroke once again and putting up much better percentages. He has the tenacity and the skill.
OKC might be interested but I’m not sure he’s as smooth a fit there.
The Lakers obviously have a big piece of the familiar puzzle for Hill, in Steve Nash.
Personally, I think the invigorating atmosphere of Miami and the Heat team would energize Grant Hill and his 39-year old legs for 2-3 more above average seasons. He certainly knows and loves the East Coast, and we know he loves Duke and Coach K. I could see his percentages peaking for the Heat in a way that they won’t for the Lakers, and certainly not the Thunder.
Maybe it’s intuition… maybe it’s all the years watching Grant through Duke and the NBA… but I think the best place for him is Miami.
Sadly, I think finding room for him in Miami hinges on what Mike Miller hears from the doctor about his back.
If he does go to LA, then they won’t have to worry about him quitting on a play, bum rushing anyone in the crowd, or causing a disturbance at a local night club or hot spot. The only thing Grant Hill’s name is associated with is excellence, sportsmanship, intelligence, tenacity, perseverance… all positives for any team.
I hope Grant Hill joins Nash in LA. It would be a shame to break-up this duo. The Lakers would be lucky to get him. Cannot see him on the Heat or the Thunder.
good for grant any of those three teams have a shot a the title. i hope he gets a ring whever he goes. i would like to see him join nash, even if it is in la they both deserve title shots